TRAIL HUMS ALONG; VISITORS CLASHING ON HUMMINGBIRD.Byline: MARK LANGTON Like many pathways in the local mountains, Hummingbird Trail is only minutes from the metropolis. Were it not for the fact that in spots you can see Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. and the Ronald Reagan Freeway below, you'd swear you were miles from civilization. It is for the rewarding respites in between that backcountry back·coun·try n. A sparsely inhabited rural region. users seek out its remoteness. At the same time, however, it is the ease with which the trail can be accessed that can destroy those idyllic conditions. Because of Hummingbird Trail's popularity and proximity, problems have arisen between hikers and cyclists. Complaints of bikers descending too fast and endangering hikers have trickled into the Rancho Simi Rancho San José de Nuestra Senora de Altagarcia y Simi is one of the land grants in California by the Spanish government. The name derives from Shimiji, the name of the Chumash village here before the Spanish. Park and Recreation District, prompting officials to consider restricting the use of mountain bikes on the trail. Increased trail erosion also is a concern. Ranger Jim Keppler has spoken with local mountain-bike representatives, including members of the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) A software-based interface from the Object Management Group (OMG) that allows software modules (objects) to communicate with each other no matter where they are located on a private network or the global ). The groups have agreed to post bulletins regarding the need for riders to observe caution on Hummingbird Trail. CORBA has met with the area's hiking advocacy group, the Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, to work toward a solution. ``The biggest problem is when bikers come up on hikers too fast around corners,'' said John Downey John Downey may refer to:
Riders can help ensure that they continue to share the trails by practicing the mountain-bike mantra: ``There could be someone around the next corner. Slow down, be alert.'' That's really all it takes. An extra bit of vigilance can save you from accidentally infringing on someone else's trail experience and may prevent injury to you or someone else. For cyclists living in the east end of Simi Valley, it's a quick road ride up Santa Susanna Santa Susanna is a church on the Quirinal in Rome, with a titulus at its site that dates back to about 280. The modern church, rebuilt in 1585–1603, is the seat of the American Catholic Church in Rome. Pass Road to the Rocky Peak Rocky Peak is the name of the 3rd highest point in the Santa Susana Mountains, which overlook both Chatsworth and Simi Valley, in Southern California. The peak, which is 2,714 feet above sea level, sits on the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line. Trail entrance; Hummingbird Trail is eight-tenths of a mile further up the track. Rocky Peak is the fast food of trails - easily accessed from the westbound 118 freeway at Rocky Peak Road, on the pass between Simi and San Fernando valleys San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. . The average rider can make it to Hummingbird Trail in around 20 minutes. Take heed Verb 1. take heed - listen and pay attention; "Listen to your father"; "We must hear the expert before we make a decision" listen, hear focus, pore, rivet, center, centre, concentrate - direct one's attention on something; "Please focus on your studies and though: It's probably one of the steepest eight-tenths of a mile you'll ever ride. From there it's a spectacular but quick 2-mile descent through sage and scrub oak, then over a stretch of weird and wonderful sandstone outcroppings. There are some precipitous pitches, as well as a few rather technical and dangerous sections, so this trail is by no means for the beginner. Additionally, the return trip to the Rocky Peak Trailhead requires a 2-mile climb back up Santa Susanna Pass Road, making the 6-1/4-mile loop deceptively strenuous. Allow 90 minutes or longer to complete it. What many new mountain bikers don't understand is that, even though they may be traveling at a controlled pace, their presence can be disruptive and intimidating, especially to elderly hikers. It is not enough to simply go slowly. You must also constantly be aware of blind corners or trail sections with short lines of sight. ``I've never personally had any run-ins with hikers,'' said Todd Schulz, a regular Hummingbird rider who resides at the foot of the trail. ``But I look far enough ahead down the trail to make sure I can see anybody coming up. It's really only on the weekends that there's any kind of a problem.'' Riders visiting Hummingbird Trail should employ extreme caution, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds and confrontations, go during weekday afternoons, or, better yet, early in the morning. Help yourself by practicing low impact cycling - no skidding. It's the best insurance that the trail will remain open to all users. For more information on Hummingbird Trail, contact the Rancho Simi Park and Recreation District, (805) 584-4400, or the Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, (805) 526-8588. It is found on the Simi Valley East 7.5-minute series topographic map (Data West Research Agency definition: see GIS glossary.) A map depicting terrain relief showing ground elevation, usually through either contour lines or spot elevations. The map represents the horizontal and vertical positions of the features represented. . CAPTION(S): 2 Photos Photo: (1) Simi Valley's Dan Flores Flores, town, Guatemala Flores (flōrəs), town (1990 est. pop. 2,200), capital of Petén department, N Guatemala. Flores was built on an island in the southern part of Lake Petén Itzá and on the site of the rests at the junction of Rocky Pier Trail and Hummingbird Trail. (2) Mountain biker bik·er n. 1. One who rides a bicycle or a motorbike. 2. A motorcyclist, especially a member of a motorcycle gang. biker Noun a person who rides a motorcycle Willy Simons of Simi Valley rides Hummingbird Tail as the Ronald Reagan Freeway stretches below. Mark Langton/Special to the Daily News |
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